Daka’s title bout against Australia’s Foley postponed to June

PAPUA New Guinean Jeffery Daka’s title fight against Australia’s world champion Greg Foley has been postponed to June due to the nationwide state of emergency amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
PNG Kickboxing Federation (PNGKF) said the showdown, which was scheduled for March 28-29 at the Sasi Muthuvel Stadium in Kimbe, had been moved back after consultations with the World Kickboxing Federation, sponsors, the Government and West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel.
According to PNGKF president Stanley Nandex, national female champion Jessy Gonapa was scheduled face her European opposite Alexandra Petre for the intercontinental title.
He said the event would be used to select fighters for the world championships in Cairo, Egypt, from Oct 20-26.
Nandex said the decision was made in line with the state of emergency in response to the pandemic, which has affected most sporting events worldwide.
“Bringing a high-profile event to West New Britain will have a social, economic and cultural impact on the province and country,” he said.
“Kickboxing plays a significant role in human development and creating a positive pathway for youths.” Nandex thanked the Government, sponsors and Muthuvel for their initiative and support in hosting the event.
“It’s an unfortunate circumstance we all are facing but we hope that by June, normalcy will be restored so that we can host the event,” he said.
“I’d like to encourage fighters, affiliated members and officials to stay positive and remain safe during the pandemic.”